Sunday, June 21, 2015

KOA Newburgh - Last Day


The rains came to an end about 9:00 am and slowly, one by one, tenters and cabin people began to come out of their small, protective environments and life on their last day here began.  By noon the sun was out, the humidity low, the temperature perfect with a slight breeze; a perfect day.  Humans?  All, every single one of them, packed up and gone back to their reality.  It was an amazing sensation.  Once again, the realization of how nice I have it sank in.  There's no work to go back to.  My kids called me to wish me a Happy Father's Day as did others by way of texts and emails.  How nice was that?  Thank you, all.   Once again, in the stillness of Father's Day, I'm here alone with the chipmunks.  Well, physically alone but I know about my blessings that are with me 24/7.  I posted this on my Facebook page this morning:  Father's Day. On this special day, I can sit back (as can their mother), relax and bask in the knowledge that we lucked out and wound up with two fantastic kids, Chuck and Marybeth; loved and respected contributors to society, healthy, and proud parents of awesome children...my grandchildren: SaraBeca, and Aaron. For this, above all else, I am truly blessed and thankful.

So, one "travel adventure" comes to an end and another is right on its tail.  From Plattekill, NY, I'll travel to Poughkeepsie to meet and visit daughter, Marybeth tomorrow, Monday, during her lunch hour at her new home.  From there it's back down to Croton's RV Park where I'll be until July 7, 2015. I am hoping once again to have friends visit and enjoy some peace, quiet, and outdoor relaxation while enjoying snacks and liquid refreshment.  Thankfully, I will have missed the annual Clearwater Festival with its young and old hippie tree huggers that will once again reaffirm their need to "Save the [insert your favorite]."  Click here for George Carlin's classic on the environment and see if you don't agree with at least some of it.  I agree with all of it.

As I entered a few notes into a log book I've kept since 1978 for this cloudy, rainy trip, I came across two others as I leafed through the pages that I'd like to share with you:

This campground used to be called "Hudson Valley KOA Kampground."  I found two passages from 33 years ago:

"Sept. 25-27, 1982.  Camp Fees = $30.50 at $12.00/night.

Very wooded; clear, mild, sunny day. Camped with Merz's & Armistos'
Sites were cozy and wooded.  100 sites in campground. Supposedly all full but didn't seem to be. Quiet nights, very peaceful.
Rained after midnight on last night. Gas heater refused to maintain pilot light; borrowed Ray & Kathy's electric heater.
Celebrated Kelly Armisto's 15th birthday."

Flipped forward a few pages and read:

"Aug. 22-25, 1984.  Camp Fees = $51.00 for 3 nights

Pure luck. Campsite right next to the one we used on 9/25/82 w/Merzs' & Armistos' .  This time Wyskidas' coming.
Friday 8/24/84: Chuck, Marybeth with us.
Sat. nite, Stephanie, Tommy Jr., Michelle Franciosa, Doug & Judy are due.
8:30 a.m. Temp 66°, bright, sunny, and breezy."

My, how time flies.  One may not be able to ever go back to "the good ol' days", but here's to having memories that can take their place.

See you in Croton. 

1 comment:

  1. Site 37 is waiting for you, as are the "Croton Regulars." Many Happy Dad's Day wishes to you.

    ReplyDelete